Exclusive! Vaibhav Tatwawadi: Nirmal Pathak Ki Ghar Wapsi is an out-and-out entertainer, not preachy

Ever since the trailer of Nirmal Pathak Ki Ghar Wapsi is out, the viewers could only imagine all the topics this show addresses. It does address those topics but as the lead actor Vaibhav Tatwawadi says, it is in an entertaining manner. We caught up with the actor who has been a part of varied films like Hunterrr and Tribhanga and tried to understand his process of picking projects a little more. Excerpts…

Congratulations on Pondicherry. Now, you have another project that is literally based on character name. How would you say you are feeling?

Having a project in which the name of your character is also the name of the project is something very special. It’s a very special thing for any actor. I’m really fortunate that a project like this has come my way.

You have done some interesting projects throughout the years. They are different from each other but similar in the sense that they are either critically acclaimed or have performed at the Box Office brilliantly. So, tell me about your project selection process? What do you look at - script, director, character or overall package?

It is more intuitive for me. The production house and director are definitely taken into consideration but I think, after the narration, somewhere deep down, I know whether I want to be a part of a project or not. I look at the production house, director and how the project will be marketed but first comes my intuition about a project.

When we talk about your Hindi films, you started off with Hunterrr and now, were last seen in Tribhanga. From that itself, we can understand your wide range of films. In between, you have Bajirao Mastani and Lipstick Under My Burkha, once again proving the same. Did you consciously make the choices so you are never stereotyped as an actor and how did you do it?

All the roles that came my way, I accepted them because I loved the story and character. To be very honest, this was not on my mind – that it would help me prove my versatility or not get stereotyped. Having said that, I’m really glad people think that way but yes, it wasn’t a conscious decision.

Your introduction in Nirmal Pathak Ki Ghar Wapsi - the dupatta over your head and people asking for money for mooh dikhai - did it feel too much? What was your first reaction when you heard and went into the scene?

To be honest, I found the scene very cute. People are very excited in the scene, to see the eldest son of the family coming home. It happens even today and is a very sweet gesture, so I didn’t find it over-the-top at all.

There are many moments in the trailer itself that raise many questions. Did any such topic personally connect with you?

This web series is about a guy’s journey – to find his roots. It’s about the family, personal relationships and emotions. This web series is not preachy. It doesn’t preach anything.

Have you seen or faced any of the issues that the series brings forth?

I have seen this time-and-again. It is about the women in the house who are supposed to serve water and drinks to the guests. I have seen this quite closely in a lot of places. That is one issue. It is why I have the dialogue that men should make a rule to get their own glass of water while eating. That is one topic I could personally relate to or connect. Other than that, like I said, this isn’t about preaching anything or telling people if something is wrong. Nirmal Pathak Ki Ghar Wapsi is an out-and-out entertainer that takes cognizance of the social issues and it isn’t preachy at all.

Your upcoming projects?

I completed one more Hindi film. The name is Baat Itni Si Baaki Hai. That film is release in a few months, now that Nirmal Pathak Ki Ghar Wapsi is also out.